Stormy drive...

As I left home to drive to town this evening, a storm hit our area.  Lightning, thunder and very hard rain made the drive quite interesting.  I was not pleased when the car in front of me drove much slower than necessary.  Sure, it was important to drive safely but 30 mph seemed a bit overboard to me at the time.  Yet when the rain became a downpour, I found my attitude changing...greatly.  What seemed unnecessary to me initially became helpful to me eventually.  Although I was wearing my glasses, taking my time and had the headlights on, that car became a wonderful and essential guide for me. I began thinking.

Life seems to include many unnecessary distractions.  Just as I initially became frustrated with that slow-moving car, I find my attitude becoming frustrated about the way some things happen on this life journey.  I need to get things done...now.  I need to make changes...now.  I need to make things better...now.  Yet His timing is always better than mine.  He knows what I need to learn, become, realize or accept first. Preparing my heart, mind and life in His time is a much better plan than my own.  As I look back, I see how He repeatedly led me through circumstances I would have never handled alone.  I am thankful for His light that continually guides me through storms, seasons and situations. Focusing on Him above all else makes this journey purposeful, peaceful and possible.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

I will wait...

It is familiar but it is not easy.  

Yet life often requires us to wait.  

Wait our turn.

Wait for others.  

Wait for goals.

Wait as we work.
Wait as we travel.

Wait as we plan.

Wait as we hope.

Wait as we endure.

Wait as we search.

Wait as we suffer.

Wait as we heal.

Wait as life unfolds.

Often, waiting teaches us patience, wisdom and peace.

Often, though, waiting is challenging.  

I long for His answers. I long for Him.

I will wait.  I will wait for Him to answer.

I will wait for Him...and lean on Him...completely.<3~thl 

"Lord I wait for You; You will answer, Lord my God." Palm 38: 15

Simple truths...

It came to my mind a few years ago. When this journey is unsettled, I know two things for sure. I am grateful for each moment of life I am given. I am changed because someone loves me unconditionally. Life and love are precious and powerful gifts to never take for granted. 
Simply put..."Love living...and Live loving."♥~thl

A full heart...

Many times my heart overflows with gratitude...
I am grateful for each breath I am given.
I am grateful for each loved one in my life.
I am grateful for new beginnings each day.
I am grateful for those who genuinely care.
I am grateful for the One Who loves me, even with all my imperfections.

Sometimes my heart cannot fully express my concerns...
I am concerned for those who feel abandoned or rejected..
I am concerned for those who feel unloved.
I am concerned for wounded lives suffering silently.
I am concerned for a world that needs our love more than ever.
I am grateful for the One Who loves us, values us, heals us and restores us.

My heart may break for the pain around us.
Yet my heart rejoices for the hope He gives us.<3~thl

Stormy nights...

Tonight brought strong thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds to our area.  It is summertime so this kind of weather is expected.  Yet each thunderstorm I experience takes me back to a childhood memory I greatly cherish.

When I was very young, I became terrified of thunderstorms.  It was such an intense fear that I would tremble and even hide in my closet as the storms arrived.  Yet my incredibly wise parents found an effective way to help me overcome my fear.  One summer night, they took me to a safe place on our front porch and sat with me as we watched a mild storm pass through our community.  Dad taught me how to count between the thunder and lightning for distance, which fascinated me.  Mom sang along with Dad and me as we watched the storm progress. They knew that even at a young age, music captured my full attention!  Going through that storm with them removed my excessive fear.  Of course, they taught me how to remain safe during storms.  Yet their presence changed my perspective forever.  As I recalled that memory during tonight's storm, I began thinking.

Life certainly has its share of storms, too.  Some are less intense while others are overwhelming.  Sometimes I remain calm but other times, I want to run and hide.  Then I remember Dad and Mom sitting on the porch with me...singing, counting and even laughing...and how secure I felt in the middle of that storm.  I have a Heavenly Father Who also gives me peace during life's storms on this journey.  He holds me, sings over me and calms my fears.  Knowing He loves me and is with me changes my perspective forever. Burdens may wash over me.  Winds may weaken me.  Concerns may flash and resound all around me.  Yet I know the One who can calm the storms...also calms me. His Presence sustains me.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Birthday thanks...

Wow! I am so very grateful, touched, humbled and honored to know each of you who posted, commented, texted, sent messages or shared your sweet wishes for my birthday yesterday. I am absolutely blown away by well over 550 total outreaches....from six...now seven...countries! You have touched my life and I thank you all! I am slowly attempting to respond to each of you and thank you for your patience. Thank you for your bright lights in my life! You mean so much to me!♥~thl

Birthday roses...

During one of our located ministries, a sweet lady told me that she thinks mothers should receive a rose when their child celebrates a birthday.  I never forgot that.  I agree, as well as include fathers in this sentiment.

Since I cannot visit my Mom in the nursing home today...nor can I visit my precious Dad at home, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for all they did, gave, sacrificed and endured while bringing me into this world...and raising me.  I know it wasn't easy having a daughter in the middle of four sons.  That brought on new and unexpected circumstances.  But they didn't give up.  They unselfishly provided what was needed and endured much.  For someone who broke my leg, was stomped by a horse, was hit in the head with a baseball bat, had multiple surgeries over the years, needed glasses, practiced piano regularly, wrecked my bike while flying over a fence, ruined their lawnmower, endured my VW breaking down on the way to college, played rock music too loud on my stereo, needed crutches in college, returned to college after graduating and was the only child to move out of state for over three decades...it's obvious that life with a daughter wasn't exactly boring.  That doesn't even include my falling through the window of a door, going into shock for a week after a snake incident, almost drowning at the church camp or the broken hotel window as a teenager.

Yet they still loved me, encouraged me and attended my singing events, piano recitals and choir tours. They unconditionally love my husband and children.  They still tease me about the time I learned to drive a standard "stick" shift.  And they even approve of my cooking.

On yet another birthday, the first thing I must do is thank my parents for teaching me to never give up, to always be a lady, to stand for what I believe...and to love living and live loving.  Thanks, Mom and Dad, for all you did...and all you mean to me.  I love you...and I always will. Love forever, Your one and only daughter. (Whew!)<3~thl

Empty hearts...

Most people are unaware of a very empty place in my heart.  I feel it on Father's Day, holidays and every other day. It is no secret that I have the greatest Dad in the world who has touched my life forever. I am eternally grateful for him.  I had a wonderful Grandfather on my Dad's side.  I also had a very special Grandfather on my Mom's side...although he was a "step" Grandfather.  Yet I never met or knew my maternal, biological Grandfather Perdue.  I have his name, dates of birth and death and a few other facts but he was never in my life. Sadly, he left my precious Grandmother when she was pregnant with my Mom.  I have researched him but beyond the basic information, I know nothing else about him.

There's so much I wish I could ask him.  There's much I wish I could find out about other relatives from his side.  There are unknown aunts, uncles and cousins I may never meet on my life journey.  How grateful I am, though, to know so many precious family members who are in my life.  I began thinking.

Although I regret never knowing my Grandfather Perdue, I am also aware that there are many people in our lives we never really know, either.  They may be neighbors, coworkers, people we see at Church services...even family and friends.  It is highly possible to think we know them well yet we have no idea what is going on in their lives. We often do not even ask how they are really, truly doing.

In a world of unrest and uncertainty, I believe it's time we begin to care about each other.  It's time we stop talking about what we need to do and begin doing it.  It's time to love our neighbor and listen to what others do...and do not...say.  It's time to turn a scary world into a more sensitive and sincere one.  It's time to look beyond our own agendas...and look out for each other.  It's time to put compassion in action...each moment...of every day.<3~thl

Enough...

Each night I wonder if I did enough, cared enough, listened enough, tried enough and shared enough. Each night I realize I was not enough. Then I am reminded that He still loves me. I will never be all I should be...but I will always be grateful that He loves me anyway and always. That is more than enough for me.♥~thl

New moments...

It's a new week...with new opportunities...new moments...new challenges...new lessons...and new reminders of what really matters. May I face each one with hope, courage, peace and love. May I make each moment matter...for Him. ♥~thl

Recipes and roasting pans...

It wasn't planned.  Yet once it happened, I was reminded how much I miss loved ones who have gone Home. I think of them each day but somehow this made it more tangible.

Last week, I searched for an old recipe I had used years ago.  I knew it wasn't in one of my countless cookbooks.  It was handwritten on a recipe card from a dear lady in one of our past ministries.  As I sorted through my collection, I found another recipe that has been enjoyed for three generations. It had been a while since I prepared that dish so I mentioned it to Tim.  He was pleased that I planned to prepare it this week.

The work began tonight.  It took a couple hours before it was ready but the kitchen smelled so cozy as I pulled the main course out of the oven.  Then I realized what had happened.  I had cooked Tim's grandmother's recipe using my grandmother's roasting pan.  I smiled as tears formed in my heart and eyes.

I thought about how many generations were represented in the preparation of this simple meal.  A husband's grandmother in Ohio shared her recipe.  A wife's grandmother in Virginia shared her antique roasting pan.  Years later, with both grandmothers gone, a Kentucky family enjoyed their love and memories.  If our grandmothers were somehow aware of this simple yet significant, moment, I had to believe they were smiling.
I also wonder if we realize that an act of love and kindness may indeed influence lives for generations. It happens more often than we know.  When I review past chapters of my life, I am amazed how God protected, provided and pursued me through simple but very significant deeds of others.  May I never forget that even in the smallest moment, great opportunities await...even in recipes and roasting pans.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Thirsty lives...

As today's rain soaked the thirsty ground, I couldn't help but think about how love touches thirsty lives.  I hope and pray that we learn to love more like we ought...than how we merely talk.  For it is when we put love into action that the difference is made.  Rain restores.  So does love...one life at a time.  Thank You, God, for healing rain...and genuine, faithful love.<3~thl

Simple memories...

It was only $2.72.  But it brought back a flood of memories.  During a recent shopping trip, I surprisingly found a bottle of shampoo that was very popular during my childhood.  I wasn't even sure it was still on the market.  But there it was on the shelf.  As I opened the bottle, wondering if the scent remained the same, I noticed the color was exactly as I remembered.  Then I smelled that familiar, clean scent and my mind immediately returned to my younger days.  I remember Mom having a glass bottle of this shampoo sitting by the tub on a regular basis.  I even remember Mom helping me, as a very young child, wash my long hair with it.  She would even help me comb it out, trying to prevent tangles.  Familiar scenes became so vivid as I stood in the aisle smelling shampoo.  I knew I had to purchase it...to cherish the memories.

That may sound trivial.  But it means much to me.  My Mom has been living in a nursing home for almost two years.  Now someone else washes her hair.  Someone else combs it, trying to prevent tangles. Someone else selects her shampoo, clothes, food and care. Someone else takes care of Mom, the woman who used to take care of me. So every memory I have of her, past and present, is held close to my heart. That's why a $2.72 bottle of shampoo will probably sit by my tub for a very long time...bringing priceless, precious and powerful memories.

Sometimes I feel like my life is quite insignificant in this busy, big world.  But I hope that those I love dearly will someday see something that reminds them of me...and how much little things really mean.  Maybe they will see flowers...a piano or violin...poetry...cast iron cookware...dishes...or an inexpensive bottle of shampoo...and remember that each moment matters.  Each breath we take is an opportunity to make irreplaceable memories.  Create them. Cherish them.  Hold them in the depths of our hearts.  We have this moment, an incredibly significant gift, that may touch a life forever.<3~thl

So many...

Dear God~

So many hearts are breaking.  

So many lives are shaken.  

So many souls are searching.  

So many bodies are hurting.  

So many tears are falling.

So many broken are calling.

So many wounds are open.

So many prayers are spoken.

Thank You for hearing their cries.

May we listen and love them, too.<3~thl

He knows...

Sometimes there are no words to express what's on my heart.

But He knows.

Sometimes there are no words to express my thoughts.

But He knows.

Sometimes there are no answers for my questions.

But He knows.

Sometimes there are no explanations on this journey of life.

But He knows.

Sometimes there are no tears falling until the quiet of the night.

But He knows.

Sometimes there are stories and struggles too painful to share.

But He knows. 

Sometimes it seems there is no one to listen.
But He knows. 

He listens.  

He holds.  

He cares.  

He loves.

I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

Simple and significant...

As this journey continues, I learn more each day that what is most simple in life is also most significant in life. I am very grateful for friends and family who truly care, for the ability to breathe, for all the beauty in His creation and for a place to call home. I am especially grateful for the One Who loves me anyway and always. Life is a precious gift. ♥~thl

In this world...

In an imperfect world, I am grateful for His perfect love. 
In a world of unrest and uncertainty, I am grateful for His peace. 
In a world of despair and destruction, I am grateful for His hope.
In a world of anonymity, I am grateful that He knows my name. 
In a world of loneliness, I am grateful that I am never alone. 
He knows me, holds me and loves me. That makes all the difference. ♥~thl

Someone...

It's a quiet night for now but...

someone's heart is broken,

someone has stopped believing,

someone feels very alone,

someone is crying,

someone is searching,

someone is hurting,

someone thinks they are worthless,

someone is desperate,

someone is hopeless,

someone is rejected,

someone is trying to hold on a little longer.

May each one know that Someone truly cares.

May we treat everyone as a valuable one.

For Someone loves each one...and we should, too.<3~thl

Night lights...

It was a busy evening.  Dishes needed to be washed or placed in the dishwasher.  Clean laundry was waiting to be folded. Floors needed swept.  Yet when Micah told me he was going outside, I decided to leave the chores behind and join him.  After checking on our new shrub beds, we observed the beautiful sky.  We saw Venus, Jupiter, stars and other fascinating details.  Suddenly, all my chores seemed so trivial compared to the vast handiwork of God!

I began thinking.  Much too often, I become so focused on what is around me that I forget Who is with me.  I become so involved in the trivial details that I lose sight of what...and Who...are most important.  I become so burdened with the cares and circumstances of today, that I lose sight of The One Whose Presence covers yesterday, today and tomorrow!  Simply expressed, I spend less time looking to Him than I do looking around me.  

As the starry sky covered the still landscape around us, I was reminded of His amazing love that covers us each moment.  He is always with us.  Even in the darkest hours, His light never ceases to shine.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am loved by the One Who created the moon, stars, sun and planets. I am never alone.  May I remember to look up to Him always.<3~thl 

Sometimes and each time...

Sometimes...I just need to know that the world isn't as cruel as it seems to be.

Sometimes...I just need to know that life isn't always as challenging as it feels.

Sometimes...I just need to know that more hearts are compassionate than cold.

Sometimes...I just need to know that there's an answer for pain so many endure.

Sometimes...I just need to know that tomorrow will be better than today.

All the time..I thank God for His peace, strength, compassion, hope and love.  

Each time...I feel the pressures of this world, I hold onto His Presence knowing He holds me, too.<3~thl 

Plans for packing...

We have been very busy this spring.  Planning to put our house on the market eventually, we have been working on both exterior and interior projects.  Our shrub beds are now totally redone. The deck is being stained again. I am sorting and packing things we don't need until after the move.  Our family certainly loves music as well as reading so I knew there would be a collection of CDs and books.  Yet when it's time to prioritize and pack them, I am amazed!  I am also surprised at how quickly my packing methods returned after over two decades. Perhaps moving six times during our first nine years of marriage made a lasting impression on moving strategies.

I began thinking. Contents of boxes determine how they are packed.  Books should not be packed in large boxes.  Dishes need extra care and preparation.  CDs and DVDs require extra care and organization, too. The list continues for safe and efficient transition.  Yet how much do we consider what we pack into our lives?  Are we fully aware of all we allow into our lives each day?  Do we take extra care in what we hear, see or do?  What about the attitudes and influences we choose to absorb through media, family and friends?  How much time do we spend being busy compared to how much we spend time with Him?  What methods do we use to evaluate the direction of our lives?

It's a very fast-paced world.  It's a very demanding life with jobs, families, homes, responsibilities and goals.  It's easy to become so involved in maintaining living...that we often miss taking time to sustain what is most important in life.  It takes intentional effort to pause and consider priorities.  As I think about moving from this house to another one, I can't help but think about the transition from this life to the next one.  May I become more selective and sensitive to His peace, plans and purpose for my life presently...so that I don't miss a moment with Him now...and forever.<3~thl  

Healing rain....

Rain is hitting our roof again as I write.  But You already know that, God.  Thank You so much for the refreshing, nourishing, cleansing and soothing rain.  I know there are many people whose lives truly need healing rain now, too.  Some are burdened with concern for loved ones.  Some are brokenhearted.  Some need physical healing.  Some need spiritual healing.  Some need to know someone really cares.  Others need to know that there's really a place for them in this world.  In fact, dear God, we all are seeking and searching in different ways.  Please send Your healing rain upon our hearts, our minds, our lives, our world and our deepest yearnings for hope, peace, purpose, restoration, repair...and love.  Only You, God, only You can see the depth of our brokenness.  Only You can make us new.  Rain on us with Your love, grace, mercy and power.  Thank You for healing rain.<3~thl

Waiting....

Waiting...wondering...hoping...believing and trusting...for this journey to become closer and more purposeful in Him. He knows my heart and He will lead me now and always. ♥~thl

No words...

Sometimes....there are no words. There are only thoughts, feelings and realizations that move my heart, stir my soul and make this journey very unexpected.  When there are no words, no answers and no explanations, I only find tremendous peace in knowing that He hears me. He knows me.  He understands me.  He holds me.  He will never leave me. Thank You, God, for loving me...and leading me...even when, especially when...there are no words.<3~thl

Rain dance...

What a precious reminder tonight, God!  Thank You!  Your timing is perfect, as always!  Oh, how I wish I could dance in this refreshing rain right now!

Yet, I have already been in the tub three times today.  I love being a southern, country gal but being a clean, southern, country gal is absolutely essential.  First, there was the usual wake-up shower.  I don't function until I have been in the shower.  Many people prefer coffee to wake up but since I am not a coffee person, the shower is my only option.  After some "dirt therapy" this evening, I was covered with proof of my work so back into the shower I went.  Following supper, my muscles informed me that I had overdone the dirt therapy. Back into the tub I went for a relaxing soak. My day will certainly end on a very clean note.

However, I often wonder if I will ever be clean enough, good enough, accepted enough, wanted enough, needed enough, talented enough or smart enough to accomplish what God placed me here to do.  I am realistically aware of my strengths, weaknesses, interests, passions and limitations.  But in a fast-paced world full of competition, comparison and conditional approval, it's difficult to believe I will become what He created me to be and do for Him.  The world sees me very differently than He does.  So how, when, where and what do I offer that will make a difference before my time on this earth is gone?

Then I heard the unexpected rain shower tonight.  Checking the weather forecast minutes before, there was no sign of approaching rain. But God knew that He would send rain at just the right time.  He knows when our grass, shrubs, trees, flowers and soil need refreshing rain to encourage growth and beauty. As the rain danced on the roof, I felt my soul stirring, too.  God knows when I need refreshing showers of hope, love, joy and peaceful assurance in my life.  He knows when I need to rest..listen...learn...or prepare for all that He has in store for my life. I will wait.  I will trust.  I will believe.  In the meantime, I will dance in the rain of His amazing grace.<3~thl

What a week...

I'm going to be really honest with you, God.  This has not been my favorite week of 2015.  I am really grateful for so many blessings.  I seriously am.  Yet You know what kind of week it has been and I am not too happy about it.  So many things have happened that I didn't plan.  So many things I planned didn't happen.  I am a bit frustrated and You know how I like getting my "to do" list done.  I know I should focus on You and honor You no matter what this journey brings.  But I want to make the most of this journey...each moment of every day.  Yet here I am frustrated and feeling like my work is not being done.

What's that?  Yes, I know I belong to You.  Yes, I also realize that my focus should be on You above all else.  Ohhhhhh, that's true. I am Your work in progress...and I know that means Your work isn't exactly complete in me, either.  Hmmmmm. I know...my driven tendencies often get in the way of my priorities.  Quite often.  So....I certainly need to pause, refocus and realign my priorities.  Listening to You, leaning on You and loving You are more important than anything else.  When You slow me down, I need to be still.  When You hold me, I don't need to hurry. When You love me, I don't need a list.  When You teach me, I need to learn.  When You are with me, no moment is a waste.  Nothing else matters except knowing You more each moment.  Forgive me, God, for rushing instead of receiving Your love and direction.  My week has been different...very different...than what I planned.  Thank You for reminding me that You matter most.<3~thl

Sleep in peace....

Perhaps sleep will come easily tonight. Perhaps my thoughts and heart will find rest easily, too. 
Knowing I rest in Your arms brings sweet peace and joy. 
No matter what tonight or tomorrow may bring, I am held by the One Who knows me best...yet loves me most. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl

You...faithful and true...

Sometimes I feel so "at home" and surrounded with love and purpose on this journey.  Other times, I feel so alone and like my simple life doesn't really mean anything in this world.  Then I remember, Dear God, that if anyone understands feeling either very loved or very out of place in this world, it is You!  Thank You for loving me at all times, in all places and never letting go of me.  You are faithful and true.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl

In Memory...

Thirty-seven years ago today, the phone rang at the bank where I worked during the summers. I knew as soon as it rang that you had gone Home. But I am certain, dear brother, that you are in the Presence of God Whom you loved and served faithfully. We love and miss you, Timothy Smith! We will see you soon! Thanks for your incredible, genuine example and faithful friendship. You are loved, remembered and missed continually.♥~thl

His amazing grace...

My family and I recently traveled to Virginia to visit my parents. It was a quick trip as we spent time with my Dad at home, my Mom in the nursing home as well as my best friend in her home.  What a busy but precious, memorable time for many reasons.

We made one other visit while in those beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Sunday morning, we visited my home church, Level Green Christian Church.  I grew up there.  I was married there.  I was even employed there for awhile.  It was wonderful to worship with the precious Church family after not seeing many of them for years.  

As my family and I walked in, we were greeted with love and hugs.  It felt great to be "home again."  Before we were seated, a precious lady asked if I would play piano for special music.  Of course, I tried to politely avoid the question...but she's so dear to me that I eventually agreed to do it...if my daughter would sing with me.  It was settled.  There had been no rehearsal.  Yet we felt God was opening a door and we would lean on Him and offer our best to Him.  I asked Rachel in what specific key she wanted to sing, quickly transposed it in my head and prayed...lots.  The time came when another precious lady announced that it was time for our special music and I prayed  as we walked up the aisle.  God definitely held us together as I began playing, Rachel began singing and as I sang with her on the last verse of  "Amazing Grace."  I began thinking.

Life rarely gives us rehearsal opportunities. Yet each moment, each choice and each situation are occasions to lean on Him and offer our best to Him.  We may not be handed a microphone or a piano...but what we say and do makes a difference to Him and to others every time.  I definitely make mistakes.  Lots of them. Yet, just as my daughter and I depended on the song, "Amazing Grace" that Sunday morning, I must daily lean on God's amazing grace each moment of every day.  In the middle of all my concerns, uncertainties, struggles and mistakes, He still loves me, forgives me and guides me.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am loved...anyway.<3~thl

Never alone...

Knowing I face each moment, each concern, each uncertainty and each step of this journey with You by my side makes it possible. Thank You for holding me through it all. I am amazed. I am grateful. I am not alone. ♥~thl

Simple rest...

Tonight I simply rest in His arms. 
He holds me. 
He surrounds me. 
He protects me. 
He hears me. 
He assures me.
He loves me.
Tonight I will rest in Him.
I am amazed. I am grateful. I am never alone.♥~thl